14′
16:32
But the Madrilenians are definitely aware that they can’t let Barca get any further into the combination game right now. Otherwise, the hosts could be difficult to slow down once they get going here. Real now records longer periods of possession of the ball.
12′
16:29
The home team is really big here. The Catalans lead the duels around the center circle resolutely and with absolute conviction. The returning Gavi is particularly successful in these opening minutes.
9′
16:27
Real reacted quickly to the goal and now pushed a little further forward. But the Royals have to deal with this impact first. Barcelona is currently more present in midfield and is winning the important duels.
6′
16:23
Tooor for FC Barcelona, 1-0 by İlkay Gündoğan
Ilkay Gündoğan coldly punishes the guests’ first mistake! The German tries to play a one-two with Ferran Torres in front of the penalty area. Aurelien Tchouaméni intervenes, but unfortunately clears the ball perfectly into the path of Barcelona’s midfielder. David Alaba tries to intervene, but comes too late. Ilkay Gündoğan follows up well and keeps his nerve in front of Kepa and easily slides it into the bottom right corner – dream start for Barcelona!
6′
16:22
When the Catalans have the ball, the guests initially wait around the halfway line and do not push forward any further. The center of Los Blancos is extremely compact, so Barca has often had to resort to the outside.
4′
16:21
Bellingham with a high ball win against Christensen. The Englishman drives the ball energetically into the penalty area. But the Danish central defender rushes back in time and makes up for his mistake.
2′
16:19
Of course, the stands fire up from the first minute. Every time the guests touch the ball, a shrill concert of whistles echoes through the arena. Carlo Ancelotti’s team obviously seems unimpressed by this.
1′
16:18
The ball is rolling in Barcelona! Not just the 55,000 in the stadium, but the whole world is watching El Clasico!
16:07
Today’s game will be officiated by referee Jesús Gil Manzano. He is assisted on the sidelines by Ángel Nevado Rodríguez and Javier Martínez Nicolás.
4:00 p.m
It is usually impossible to pick a favorite in this encounter. What crazy duels these two teams haven’t had. Even though the hosts are still unbeaten this season and have kept a clean sheet in four of the last five home games, anything can happen here. Carlo Ancelotti’s team should be extra motivated after the somewhat disappointing draw at Sevilla FC. This game is about much more than just three points.
3:49 p.m
Today, FC Barcelona plays in the 4-3-3 system as usual, but coach Xavi makes an interesting change. Compared to the shock win against Donetsk in the premier class, the coach is bringing Gavi, who has returned from injury, into midfield for Oriol Romeu. In addition, youngster Lamine Yamal initially sits on the bench; the actual right-back João Cancelo actually plays for him on the right wing. Ronald Araújo fills the gap in the full-back position, Andreas Christensen moves inside. There is also good news for the Catalans, who are plagued by injury concerns: Even though Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Sergi Roberto are still out, along with Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are back in the squad for the first time today.
3:35 p.m
The guests from the capital will play again today in a 4-1-3-2 system. Compared to the away win at Sporting Braga in the Champions League during the week, Carlo Ancelotti has now changed a total of four positions. Alaba replaces Nacho in central defense, Mendy plays left-back for Fran García. In midfield, Kroos replaces Modric and Tchouaméni replaces Camavinga in the starting line-up. The offensive with Viníciius, Rodrygo and Bellingham, the man of the hour, remains unchanged. The Royals are well staffed and are determined to get back to the top of the table.
15:24
It’s that time again, things are crackling in the Spanish upper house – El Clasico is coming up. What is probably already the most prestigious duel in the world is now given even more importance by the current table situation. FC Barcelona are currently in third place in La Liga, but with a home win today they could overtake the visitors, who are in second place after Girona’s success last night. Carlo Ancelotti’s team, on the other hand, would also need a win to regain the lead. But there are more rewarding tasks, because the Catalans were able to win four of the last six direct duels – excitement is guaranteed!
15:13
Welcome to the eleventh matchday of La Liga and to a very special game – the duel between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid! Kick-off at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium is at 4:15 p.m.